Western Counties West

Okehampton 7

Exeter University 26

AFTER falling 14 points behind in a blitzkrieg first two minutes, Okehampton showed real guts to match the students for long periods of this mud strewn encounter.

This was the Okes' slowest start of the season. The students' side, facing a possible 50 point deduction, but packed to the rafters with players who could and should be playing at a much higher level, made a lightning start. Oke failed to reach ten metres from the first kick off, and less than two minutes later found themselves 14-0 down!

The first try came from a set scrum move in midfield as static defence saw the visitors cross for a converted score. However, the second try that followed straight from the restart was one of the best ever seen at the Showground and was virtually unstoppable. Great hands, clever lines of running and some irresistible offloads resulted in a sumptuous score under the uprights.

A drubbing looked a distinct possibility. Okehampton were shell-shocked and struggling to keep up with the pace of the visiting side. Things got worse after 15 minutes when the third try arrived. This time the Okes thought they were unlucky as they claimed University centre was tackled but the referee allowed him to get up after the tackle was completed to score.

So at 21-0 down things looked bleak for the Okes; however, much as they did last week at the Rectory, Oke grew stronger in adversity and actually outperformed the visitors for the majority of the time that remained in the first half.

Several good phases and line breaks were stopped just short, as the visitors' pace allowed them to scramble back in defence to make vital cover tackles to thwart the improving Okes. Things were looking promising as Oke gained a penalty in the visitors' 22 yard line just before the break. They went for the corner, but managed to kick the ball straight into the arms of the visiting left winger stood on the touchline; he booted the ball downfield and the moment was lost. Okehampton soon found themselves with a lineout five yards from their own line, but not for the first time it misfired. A scrum soon followed and the students went left to cross for their bonus point try right on the break.

So after a disastrous start there was lots to be pleased about for the Okes — unfortunately the scoreboard did not reflect their efforts.

The second half that followed was a story of plenty of Oke ball and territory, met by a student defensive line that refused to buckle. Oke were rarely threatened by the visitors as the mud levels increased, and both sets of forwards slugged it out relentlessly. Oke had a couple of rolling mauls that looked promising, but every time they got in near the try line the ball was lost or turned over.

As time was running out Oke finally scored the try their endeavour deserved. The students' scrum half saw the ball slip out of his grasp, and straight into the grateful hands of home fly half Rhys Palmer who scooted in under the post for a try converted by scrum half Gary Sizmur.

Overall there was no disgrace in this defeat for Okehampton against a talented side that should be plying its trade in a higher league.